I hear it all the time:
“I’d love to do something different, but do I have the time?”
“I wouldn’t know where to start…”
“Starting my own business sounds great if only I didn’t have a full-time job.”
Here’s the truth:
You absolutely can run a franchise, even if you’ve never done anything like it before.
In fact, 98% of our franchisees had never worked in travel before joining us. Most come from corporate roles, care work, education, administration — you name it. What they do have is drive, determination and a willingness to learn. That’s really all you need.
Part time franchise? Yes. A profitable one? Definitely.
It is entirely possible to build a successful business around your life, not the other way around. Many of our franchisees start part time, running their travel business alongside another job, freelancing or family life.
Some even run two completely different franchises side by side.
We’ve seen people pair travel with dog walking, or cleaning services with travel, and do incredibly well. Why? Because they are not starting from scratch every time. They already have networks, customers or databases in one area, and they are smart enough to offer something new to the same people.
If you’ve got customers, you’ve got opportunity
The hardest part of any business is finding customers. But if you already have an audience — whether it’s from a newsletter, a Facebook page, a neighbourhood WhatsApp group or a previous business — then you’ve done the heavy lifting.
That same customer base might book a family holiday and need their carpets cleaned. Or use pet-sitting services and fancy a last-minute city break. You’re not selling, you’re solving problems.
Tips if you want to run one (or two!) franchises
Thinking of stepping into franchising part time or taking on more than one? Here’s what I’d recommend:
Don’t overthink it
You don’t need a travel degree or marketing experience. That’s what the franchise provides training, systems, support and proven ways of working.
Start with what you know
Already run a business? Have a side hustle? Use the trust you’ve built and bring your franchise offer to the same people. They are more likely to buy from someone they already know.
Use tech, structure and manage your time
You can run more than one business, but you need the right systems in place. From calendar apps to automation tools, use technology to keep your life simple and your customers happy. Ask if the franchise invests in tech before you commit, this is crucial.
Lean on the community
If a franchise offers networking events, go to them. You’ll get tips from others who are doing the same, especially if you’re just starting out. Find out if the franchise provides free networking events, Facebook or WhatsApp groups, or any kind of support network.
Tell everyone you know what you do
People can’t use your service if they don’t know it exists. Tell everyone you meet. I tell our travel consultants that if they book a plumber or hire an accountant, they should ask them to use their travel services next time. Why not?
You can do this. You just don’t know it yet.
We’ve seen thousands of people transform their lives through franchising in an industry where they had no prior experience. They didn’t all start with the time, confidence or background. They simply got started and let the model guide them.
Whether you run one franchise, two, or just want to try something part time, you can absolutely do this.
You just have to stop thinking you can’t.
